Atlantic Division.
Boston Celtics
- JR Giddens - #30
- Bill Walker - #47
- Semih Erden - #60
This was a decent draft for the Celtics. But when you’re World Champions, hey I guess that’s okay. Giddens is a former McDonald’s All-American who could’ve been part of last year’s Kansas team but transferred a few years earlier. He’s got a ton of talent and good athleticism but I guess he also has some maturity issues. Their grade suffers a bit because the Celtics may have reached a bit to pick Giddens and there were a few other guards they could’ve taken, most notably Chris Douglas-Roberts.
I am not sure what to make of Bill Walker at #47. A former high school teammate of OJ Mayo, he probably would’ve been a lottery pick if he came out of high school. But he didn’t really impact college basketball the way such a highly touted recruit should. I saw flashes of talent from him but he was never that consistent. On top of that, he’s torn his ACL and injured his knee again in workouts. If the KG, The Truth, Ray and the coaching staff can tap that potential AND he can stay away from more injuries, then Walker is a huge steal in the second round. I’ll say there’s an 8% chance of that happening.
New Jersey Nets
- Brook Lopez - #10
- Ryan Anderson - #21
- Chris Douglas-Roberts - #39
The Nets had a great draft (Lopez will be a serviceable big man, Anderson is an underrated 4 and CDR should be an effective role player and he’ll get a chance to play on the rebuilding team) but the bigger story was all the cap space they saved by trading away Richard Jefferson. They will have all the cap space they need to sign LeBron in 2010 and will have a nice team to play with. If Yi Jianlian can figure things out and be a good NBA player I think LeBron would absolutely LOVE to play with him. Bron’s popularity in China will explode because Yi and I can only begin to imagine all the cross-promotional things he’ll be able to do with Yi. I think the Nets will have to add another big man and they’ll be able to absolutely dominate the League. Maybe Bron will be able to bring Bosh or Amare with him like I’ve read he’s trying to do.
What the Nets can expect in 2010.
New York Knicks
- Danilo Gallinari - #6
I guess I’m in the minority with this pick. I actually like this selection. A me-first player who doesn’t fully grasp the team concept is the last thing the Knicks need. They have too many of those already. I think a Euro player is exactly what they could use. Just hopefully he’s not Frederic Weis. Gaillinari has been playing in a pro league for the last few years and he’s been one of the top players. He should be able to help right away and his versatility on the offensive end should make him extremely effective in Mike D’Antoni’s system even at the age of 20. I don’t know if he’ll be a star but he certainly has the chance to be one. I don’t think he’ll be a flop though.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Marreese Speights - #16
Again, I don’t know much about him. I didn’t get a chance to watch much Florida basketball this year but he’s a low post player who averaged 14 and 8 in 25 mpg. He shot an amazing 62% from the field. He seems to be a raw player so if he can develop his skills then he has a chance to be a solid starter in the league.
Toronto Raptors
- Nathan Jawai - #41
No idea. But they got Jermaine O’Neal. If he can stay healthy then him and Bosh will be an intimidating frontcourt. Well Bosh isn’t intimidating but they’ll be very good and productive.
